Let's get to know each of the Sisters of Saint Joseph as they light the fourth and final candle of Advent!
“Pictured” (left to right) is Sr. Patricia Pycik. Sr. Pat is the St. Joan of Arc School Principal, a position she has proudly held since 1983. Next is Sr. Alma Gallagher, a resident of the convent since 2008 and currently retired. Sr. Kathy Burton first came to St. Joan of Arc in October of 2009. She is currently an online facilitator for the University of Dayton. Next is Sr. Peg Boyle who arrived at SJA in 2009 as well, and is the Director of Pastoral Care. Sr. Stephanie Cymerman came to St. Joan’s in 1989 and is currently the Parish Music Director. Last, we have Sr. Alicia Perna who arrived at SJA in 2013. She is currently the principal of St. Cecilia School in Pennsauken, NJ.
The fourth and final week of Advent is Love. Where have you witnessed love in your community and around the world?
Within their community, the Sisters of St. Joseph have witnessed love in SJA parishioners' hearts when they wear masks, reach out to the poor via Helping Hands Fundraisers, and contribute to Monthly Food Drives. They have also seen God’s love at work when people in their community take time out of their day to call the lonely and bring food to their neighbors.
The SSJs have also witnessed their fellow Sisters of Saint Joseph (almost 700 members around the world!) put God’s love into action through service and advocacy. “We are praying for an end to this virus. We are also praying for our government.”
In other news, Pope Francis has proclaimed this coming year to be the “Year of Saint Joseph.” “With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from today, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021.” Woohoo!
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html
Wishing everyone a Blessed and Safe Christmas!
Advent 2020/Week 4 - Love
This week we light the fourth and last candle on
our Advent wreath and prepare our hearts
to receive the gift of your love. We pray…
Heavenly Father, As we gather around our
illuminated Advent wreath, open our eyes to the
wonder of your love:
To goodness and beauty present even in dark days;
To hopeful hearts, peaceful moments and joyful being.
Help us to bring the light of your love to everyone
we meet. Nurture our souls with your compassion and mercy.
Help us to love You by accompanying and
serving our brothers and sisters whose needs
are so great; We thank you for the gift of Your Love,
Love that is unconditional and merciful,
Love that saves and frees us from despair;
Love that You graciously give to us.
Prepare our hearts to receive You again
and to grow in Your Love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.